Hi!
Was wondering if we could somehow override the home button long press to run a custom application instead of showing the recent apps list? This way, we could develop a custom application which shows more stuff rather than just 6 recent apps.
Some ideas are - integrating a task manager which shows running apps, favorite apps shortcuts, shortcut to app drawer etc.
I could develop the application but I wouldn't know how to override the home button long press! Any ideas anyone?
Cheers,
San
Well, there is at least one (paid) app that already does this (could be more but i don't know of them) - "MultiTasking Pro" http://www.cyrket.com/p/android/com.tkdtnek23.app.multitaskingpro
It would be nice to have extra functionality though, such as a clock (say, if you're in the middle of a game and want to check the time).
As for how it works, just from testing it out, it appears to act as a launcher (given that single home button press takes you to home launcher). I gather this as I had to set it as the default app when i pressed home button for the first time, aswell asthe fact that you have to select the home launcher in the app settings.
The way the app works is, press home button once brings up the menu (overlaying existing app). press it a second time and it takes you to the "default" home launcher as selected in settings. If you hold down home, the original app menu pops up, reinforcing the fact that this isn't a replacement per se.
Of course, overriding the original home button hold function menu would appear to be a much cleaner solution, and I welcome any info on that... whether its integrated into touchwiz or what not... One things for sure, is that samsung modified it to include a link to their "task manager" app.
TaskSwitcher is better, faster, uses less memory and it's completely free.
However no app can replace the long press. It needs kernel/system file modding.
Bec07 said:
TaskSwitcher is better, faster, uses less memory and it's completely free.
However no app can replace the long press. It needs kernel/system file modding.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed, not possible. Does anyone know if it was implemented in other android phones?
PS. Power strip is better =) Very very fast and you can see 12 recent apps + widgets. Itching thumb is very promising, but its a plain beta for now.
Yeah but itching thumb uses a LOT of memory.
Bec07 said:
Yeah but itching thumb uses a LOT of memory.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me Itching Thumb is currently the only task switcher style thing I find good enough (interface, functionality) to run next to Launcher Pro... I uninstalled all others I tried before.
But if I could have Launcher Pro on short press home, and Itching Thumb on long press home, that would be exactly how I would want that . Because I think optimizations such as memory use will come in time anyway.
I hope for the visual style to be integrated in android and have a real preview, live of the app.
Bec07 said:
However no app can replace the long press. It needs kernel/system file modding.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any idea on what would need to be modified?
[Info]:
My only gripe about the trackpad wake mod (while it is awesome), is that we do it in order to avoid reaching for the awkwardly placed power button, but then we still have to reach for it anyway when we want to shut the screen back off. So it only helps us for half of the task.
After trying to find a way to directly map the search soft-key (or any of the soft-keys) to a power button, and failing, I've decided to come at it from a different angle. Attached you'll find a very simple app, that simply turns off the screen when clicked, along with instructions on how to map it to the search soft-key or the rosie button for sense users.
[Options]:
1. Search key short press. This is the method I use, as it is both the fastest and accessible from within any app. It will completely replace the search key. Single-tap it at anytime to turn off the screen. You'll need to install the app, and push the keyboard remapping file that I have also attached. Note that there are 2 different key mapping files, one for Sense ROMs and another for Vanilla. They will make the following changes:
Sense version:
-Search soft-key is now mapped to the user programmable key #2. Set it to open the Kill Screen app.
-www/com key is now TAB.
-USER 3 key, which didn't work anyway, is now BACK.
-USER 2 key, which is now not needed, is HOME.
-USER 1 key (left of the space bar) is left as normal.
Vanilla version:
-Search soft-key is now mapped to the user programmable key #3. Set it to open the Kill Screen app.
-USER 3 key, which is now not needed, is now BACK.
-USER 1 and USER 2 are left as normal.
2. Rosie's right button. This is for those who want to keep the search key as normal. See my rosie remap thread here for the option to have it launch when you press the right dock button. Keep in mind you still need to install the app, and you'll (obviously) have to be viewing one of the home screens to press it.
NOTICE: Do not post asking me to adapt this key layout to your needs, as we will end up with 500 different files before long. Instead, change it yourself! Editing this file is about as easy as it gets. You don't need anything special installed, or any programing experience whatsoever. Simply open the attached (or your own) vision-keypad.kl in any text editor (Notepad, Notepad++, etc) and change your desired key to your desired function. If you want to know what key corresponds to what number, you can boot to clockworkmod recovery --> advanced --> key test. Touch any key on the phone, and it spits out the number.
NOTICE #2: As with any app that is given administrator permissions, you will need to remove the app from the admin list in order to uninstall it. Menu --> Settings --> Security --> Select Device Administrators --> Uncheck Kill Screen. Then uninstall as normal. You will be reminded to do this when you first give the app the admin permissions.
[How To]:
Method 1 - Install the app, then grab a copy of the modified key layout and then reboot to recovery and enter this code:
adb shell mount /system
adb shell rm /system/usr/keylayout/vision-keypad.kl
adb push [your saved file location]\keypad_owamod_xxxxx.kl.zip /system/usr/keylayout/vision-keypad.kl
Reboot and enjoy.Method 2 - Install the app first, then see the linked thread for how to get the modified rosie.apk
That's pretty awesome Will definatley try out when I get a Z
Great news but something like that exists already for a few monts:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=795811
I used it on the Nexus One and now on the Desire Z.
Works great! Thanks a lot!!
g4rb4g3 said:
Great news but something like that exists already for a few monts:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=795811
I used it on the Nexus One and now on the Desire Z.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not quite.
You should read the whole post, people fail to do so far too often on this forum. Of course the app exists, there are multiple versions, both pay and free, on the android market and floating around the forums.
What does not exist, is the remapped key file to make the app launch with a short press of the search key (method #1) and the remapped rosie buttons to launch the app from the right dock button (method #2).
The only method I really cared about is the short-press search button (method #1), which completely replaces the search button, so that it functions to turn off the screen (like it should have been from the factory) like the G1. This also allows it to work while the screen is still locked, so you can single press the trackpad, check the time/messages/missed call, then turn the screen back off without ever unlocking it! But I made this mod and guide, so that you have THREE options: the long-press method (like the one that you linked to) AND two NEW ways.
Using all of the default files while running CM 6.1.1 Colourized, I can get my DZ to sleep only by long-pressing the Search button, not a short-press.
I checked the .kl file and confirmed the USER2 key is 217 and that matches my Key Test number in Recovery.
A short-press of my Search button doesn't do anything.
I've set KillScreen as the default app for the long-press and it works as it should, but I'd like to leave that as a Search (Vlingo) button and have a short-press go directly to KillScreen.
Suggestions?
I tried the Rosie_killscreen.apk , it installs ok i get the little power icon on my Rosie launcher bar but when I press it, it doesn't do anything, I tried to re-download the file in case it was corrupt and re-install it but the same thing happens, nothing. I installed the Rosie_contacts.apk and it work fine but can get the Rosie_killscreen.apk to work. Has anyone gotten the Rosie_killscreen.apk to work?
EDIT- My fault forgot to install the main app..... Sorry, let me try this again.
Update: The app works great on the Rosie_launcher, Just a reminder to install the KillScreen.apk first, then follow the process for pushing the app to the Rosie launcher.
I like this very much!! I have Launcher Pro Paid and I have set it up as one of my swipe options on the dock.
I use cm6.1.1 lockscreen gestures and the "screen off and lock" app. I setup a gesture of "L" and link the gesture to the "screen off and lock" app so when I am on the lockscreen and do a "L" gesture and it shuts off the screen. I also have it set as a shortcut in the dock for adw launcher too so I can lock/screen off just by pressing it. So far it works great.
B73C said:
Using all of the default files while running CM 6.1.1 Colourized, I can get my DZ to sleep only by long-pressing the Search button, not a short-press.
I checked the .kl file and confirmed the USER2 key is 217 and that matches my Key Test number in Recovery.
A short-press of my Search button doesn't do anything.
I've set KillScreen as the default app for the long-press and it works as it should, but I'd like to leave that as a Search (Vlingo) button and have a short-press go directly to KillScreen.
Suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not really sure what the issue is. If you choose the method where Kill Screen acts as the short-press search, you will not have a long press function anymore.
I'm experiencing a problem with the long press method where the screen turns off for a second but immediately turns back on to the lock screen. Manually launching the app shuts off the screen properly. Anyone else getting this?
I am having problems downloading the 2 .zip files
I use the one called "Lock Screen Button" in the market. It's simple and the icon is very clean.
cyricc said:
I'm experiencing a problem with the long press method where the screen turns off for a second but immediately turns back on to the lock screen. Manually launching the app shuts off the screen properly. Anyone else getting this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After a bit of testing I'm pretty sure this has something to do with the capacitive buttons remaining active for a very brief time after the screen shuts off: since the search button is held while the kill screen action runs, it immediately triggers wake. Pressing the power button while holding down any of the capacitive buttons has the same effect (screen turns off then back on to lock screen).
I'm guessing this can be fixed by adding a delay to turning the screen off. Or by setting the capacitive buttons to not wake the screen somehow.
Can't uninstall kill screen app
I installed the KillScreen.apk, however if I try to uninstall the app via the manage applications I get "Uninstall not succesful" and app is still in my applications list.
How can i permanently remove the KillScreen.apk?
As for the app not working properly with the long-press method, you are right, it seems to be bugging. I will take a look and hopefully get a new version up soon. The other two methods work ok, but I don't use that method, so I didn't do enough testing
LQT said:
I installed the KillScreen.apk, however if I try to uninstall the app via the manage applications I get "Uninstall not succesful" and app is still in my applications list.
How can i permanently remove the KillScreen.apk?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the second time in one thread I've had to quote someone and tell them to READ. Do they not teach you kids to read in school anymore? READ PEOPLE. You are working with rooted phones in a programming development forums, you SHOULD have some smarts to you.
Since you missed the "--WARNING!!!!---:READ:---WARNING!!!!--" text in all caps across the whole screen when you first gave the app permission, allow me to take my time to type it again for you: You need to remove ANY app that has been given administrator permissions from the admin permissions list in order to uninstall it. Since you gave this app administrator permissions, you need to do so. Menu, Settings, Security, Select Device Administrators. Uncheck kill screen. There will be a pop up box. Do not just hit the ok blindly, READ that too. Then uninstall.
the1wingedangel said:
Since you missed the "--WARNING!!!!---:READ:---WARNING!!!!--" text in all caps across the whole screen when you first gave the app permission, allow me to take my time to type it again for you: You need to remove ANY app that has been given administrator permissions from the admin permissions list in order to uninstall it. Since you gave this app administrator permissions, you need to do so. Menu, Settings, Security, Select Device Administrators. Uncheck kill screen. There will be a pop up box. Do not just hit the ok blindly, READ that too. Then uninstall.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude relax, no reason to get so agitated!
I actually did press the ok blindly, the reason for that was that the phone didn't do anything after the installation. So i tried to tap the screen to make it work and by accident tapped the ok button before reading the warning post.
If you do tell people to read, please give them the information to read. Either put it in first post or put it somewhere inside the app so people can re-read it.
I managed to uninstall the app, thanks for the info.
Relax, cheers
LQT said:
Dude relax, no reason to get so agitated!
I actually did press the ok blindly, the reason for that was that the phone didn't do anything after the installation. So i tried to tap the screen to make it work and by accident tapped the ok button before reading the warning post.
If you do tell people to read, please give them the information to read. Either put it in first post or put it somewhere inside the app so people can re-read it.
I managed to uninstall the app, thanks for the info.
Relax, cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually I do have reason to get agitated! (Even though I wasn't that upset at the time, my posts often just come across that way) Because after 2 years of seeing stuff like this with android users, it gets very tiring! For example: the countless comments on the market for an app that says in the description "ONLY works on Nexus 1" and the commenter says "Does not work on Droid" and rates it 1 star. But I can forgive those, because its the general public. On a development forum, however, I expect nothing less than every member to have their wits about them. Though, realistically, it's probably just wishful thinking.
the1wingedangel said:
Actually I do have reason to get agitated! (Even though I wasn't that upset at the time, my posts often just come across that way) Because after 2 years of seeing stuff like this with android users, it gets very tiring! For example: the countless comments on the market for an app that says in the description "ONLY works on Nexus 1" and the commenter says "Does not work on Droid" and rates it 1 star. But I can forgive those, because its the general public. On a development forum, however, I expect nothing less than every member to have their wits about them. Though, realistically, it's probably just wishful thinking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol! I do that same thing in my thread. It's hard to not snap on some people lots of times. I have come to the conclusion that a lot of people just don't have the brain power to read/comprehend certain things. I've had to learn to relax a bit... It's quite useless to argue with them because it just rolls off them with no worries while people like us simply struggle to understand why and end up getting pissed off. It's tough being cynical sometimes
Thanks for the little app! Just some feedback. Wanted to install method 1. Followed the steps. However, it still acts as method 3, long press on search, instead of just the short press. Running Virtuous 0.8.1.
Just wanted to let everyone know just in case they havent found it yet..
There is this awesome app called "Button Savior" and it adds on screen "back" button along with settings and lockscreen.
Its realy nice for the Adam because for one at night I can never see the buttons and 2 when im holding it as a book I have a hard time acessing the hardware buttons on the bottom.
So anyways try it out and I hope it helps.. I will be buying the pro version in the next week if it continues to work as great as it has been today.
Button Savior (This app requires root)
You can get it on the Marketplace
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.smart.swkey&feature=search_result
on heres my quick demo..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiy5SdGY_0Q
I use Button Savior on my Adam for the exact same thing -- night time use.
I can't easily see where the dedicated capacitive buttons are at night and Button Savior really helps.
I feel that it is so necessary on the adam, its crazy how much time was wasted trying to reflect the light off my palm to show me the keys..lmao.
Aghhhh i cant uninstall
Atimo said:
Aghhhh i cant uninstall
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Relaunch the app, then there is something like "kill buton savior" somewhere. Press it and uninstall it as you usually do.
As another option instead of Button Savior, Vegan Tab has Home, Menu, and Back buttons right on the status bar.
@Atimo Use Titanium backup for uninstalling. Works like a charm.
Been searching around, but couldn't find anything directly on this issue--
Is there any way to decrease the time that you need to hold the Home button to get the multitasking menu to pop up? As a side note, I've already disabled animations in the Developer Options, which helps to cut the time that it takes for the multitasking menu to become usable.
Thanks in advance.
davidrqli said:
Been searching around, but couldn't find anything directly on this issue--
Is there any way to decrease the time that you need to hold the Home button to get the multitasking menu to pop up? As a side note, I've already disabled animations in the Developer Options, which helps to cut the time that it takes for the multitasking menu to become usable.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well idk if this will be useful, but just use a gesture on a launcher to open up the multitasking menu. I didn't like how long the delay was either so now all I have to do is pinch n zoom with apex launcher and it opens it up.
davidrqli said:
Been searching around, but couldn't find anything directly on this issue--
Is there any way to decrease the time that you need to hold the Home button to get the multitasking menu to pop up? As a side note, I've already disabled animations in the Developer Options, which helps to cut the time that it takes for the multitasking menu to become usable.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Disable S-Voice if you're not using it , it adds about half a seconds to long press waiting for double click action.
Its under S-Voice settings menu , and or just freeze the whole application.
CaLiSwEEPeR said:
well idk if this will be useful, but just use a gesture on a launcher to open up the multitasking menu. I didn't like how long the delay was either so now all I have to do is pinch n zoom with apex launcher and it opens it up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been considering that, but I generally don't like mucking with launchers. We'll see, though--thanks for the suggestion.
ghost77 said:
Disable S-Voice if you're not using it , it adds about half a seconds to long press waiting for double click action.
Its under S-Voice settings menu , and or just freeze the whole application.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mean disabling the double-tap to launch or the entire application? The former doesn't seem to impact the multitasking menu launch delay, and I'd rather not go with the second option.
davidrqli said:
I've been considering that, but I generally don't like mucking with launchers. We'll see, though--thanks for the suggestion.
Do you mean disabling the double-tap to launch or the entire application? The former doesn't seem to impact the multitasking menu launch delay, and I'd rather not go with the second option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no problem I hope you find a solution!
Anyone have additional ideas on this? Thanks!
I read that Wanam was working on a "no home button lag", coming son I guess.Keep an eye on the dev forum during the week to see if it pops up. I know it will sooner or later.
The JB roms we have have virtually no delay for the recent app window.
'Button Savior', I liked it so much I ended up getting the paid version. There is a free version to try. This allows me so much control without having to beat up my hardware buttons. Even the volume. Use it with a different launcher or not. It works either way.
DudeWatsThat said:
I read that Wanam was working on a "no home button lag", coming son I guess.Keep an eye on the dev forum during the week to see if it pops up. I know it will sooner or later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that was applicable only to short-pressing the menu button (disabling double-tap to launch Siri gets rid of this delay anyways), and not the long-press Recent Apps menu, unfortunately.
Couldn't find anything about this anywhere, so I'm starting a new thread.
Is there a way to remap what application loads when long-pressing the home soft-key? I've remapped what app loads when holding the volume-up key with the screen-off, but I'm looking to have a specific application run when holding the home button soft key, instead of the default "google" option that appears when doing it on the stock ROM.
Any help would be greatly appreciated, as would the monitors moving this thread to its proper location if it should belong somewhere else :good:
We'll need root.
I wish OEMs would include this level of customization by default. I wouldn't mind having my home button long press either launch my camera or the App Swap app and have my recent button long press switch to the last app.
Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk
partylikeaninjastar said:
We'll need root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. I was hoping there might be a workaround (like KeyPlus) or an app like Home2Shortcut which I used on my SGS5 to accomplish that change. Oh well. Guess I'll just keep doing what I've been doing: patiently waiting for root to drop whenever the dev's involved feel it's ready! Thanks for the quick reply!